Shepherd School

In response to declining youth engagement with pastoralism and strong interest in place-based education, we propose the development of “Shepherd School”. This can function as renewed, hybrid, and modular learning opportunities for:

• Integrating traditional and formal knowledge systems

• Combining hands-on field learning with digital and virtual components to reach mobile and urban-connected youth

• Supporting intergenerational learning between elders, active herders, and students

• Reframing pastoralism as a skilled, knowledge-intensive, and future-facing livelihood whilst continuing to hold space for conversations around youth aspirations

The Shepherd School aims to rebuild pride, skills, and identity around pastoral livelihoods while creating pathways aligned with contemporary youth aspirations. It is not envisioned as a physical structure, but something that propels the idea of learning in varied contexts.